the united states condemns the terrorists acts. it's a serious matter when americans are taken hostage along with others and i want to ensure the american people the united states will take all necessary and proper steps that are required to deal with this situation." it seems the administration learned its lesson from benghazi. so far no, u.s. assets have been moved in to help. unlike last september the consulate was attacked now they have the own commander and extremis source. a group of several cousin operators for the situation. i'm told they are standing by awaiting the president's orders. bret? >> bret: we heard in greg's report a group claiming responsibility headed by the algerian born jihadist. what more do we know aboutbe him and his connection to this mali operation. >> they call him muktar in his 40s and lost an eye fighting in afghanistan. the french have been watching him for some time. they call him mr. marlboro because he finances his al-qaeda wing by smuggling cigarettes and diamonds. he split from aqim in october.